“Out Chasing Corvettes” With Todd Willoughby From American Street Machines

There are rare, often pristine Corvettes tucked away in private collections all around Atlanta.

They seldom see the light of day except for a quick jaunt around the neighborhood to keep everything in running order.

Wouldn’t it be great to see these Corvettes? Perhaps learn what makes them collectible or how they made their way into the owner’s collection?

It’s the kind of human interest/Corvette history story that pushes all the right buttons for us. But here in lies the rub.

Where do you find private collectors with those kinds of Vettes? In the end, you need someone who routinely travels in collector car circles to open those doors.

Fortunately, we knew Todd Willoughby, the owner of American Street Machines. Todd has earned the trust of collectors across the country with his keen eye for detail and years of hands-on automotive experience.

So, after he made a few quick calls, we jumped into his iconic 1989 “Big Red” 454 Chevy square body dullie and went “Out Chasing Corvettes.” For security reasons, our lips are sealed as to the whereabouts of this to-die-for collection.

Though, I will tell you it’s a shame we only snapped pics of the Corvettes. Because there was SO much more here that deserved some in-depth journalistic love.

Clearly, Todd had hit a home run in suggesting this ardent collector.

A Mid-Year Gem

Rod Worley – Editor – Todd, great choice to lead off our “Out Chasing Corvettes” series. What is it about this white-on-white mid-year that caught your eye?

Todd Willoughby – Owner of American Street Machines – What first catches any mid-year Corvette fan’s eye is the iconic big block hood to start with.

Even while approaching this flawlessly restored 66 Corvette, your eyes are drawn to the straight body lines, perfect Ermine White paint, and super shiny chrome and trim.

Anytime you see an NCRS Top Flight Award on a classic Corvette, you automatically know it is something special and are intrigued to look deeper. Upon a deeper look into this 1966 Corvette, you will see the following factory options that make this car such a gem!

L72 427/450hp (only first month of production before reduced to 425hp), M21 4-speed, F41 suspension, G81 Posi rear, K66 TI system, N14 side pipes, P14 knock-off wheels, N32 Teak wheel, A01 tinted glass, C07 hard top and all finished in code 972 Emine White with WB=White / Blue interior.

Funny story about this particular Corvette! When this collector first acquired the Corvette, it had yet to be judged by the NCRS. Being that this was a fresh restoration with an absolutely stunning appearance, it was decided to have the car judged.

It was loaded up and sent to a local NCRS Judge to check all factory markings and assembly traits. When returned to the collector, it had gone from an absolutely perfect restored car to a more factory-assembled look. The door jams had to be scuffed up since they were over restored.

The intake manifold and exhaust manifolds had engine orange over-spray all over them, along with other subtle changes. The collector was in awe as he stated (Wow, you really messed my car up man!) Lol, he loves telling this story to visitors.

This is one of my favorite collectors that I have been good friends with for over 20 years.

Setting The Pace

Rod Worley – Editor – The 1978 Pace Car has my vote as one of Corvette’s best Indianapolis 500 pace cars. What about this one stands out to you?

Todd Willoughby – Owner of American Street Machines – This particular 1978 Pace Car has been a staple in this collection for the past 20 years that I have been friends with the collector.

I have sold a number of cars out of this collection, but this one will never leave! (“No matter what is offered on this car it will stay right where it is”) is the common response when asked about price or selling.

The originality of this car is what every Corvette enthusiast is drawn to. At first glance, you will feel like it’s 1978 all over again at the local Chevrolet dealership when looking at this Corvette.

The first two things that will catch your eye are the L82 emblem on the hood and the 4-speed shifter in the console.

These are the two BEST options available out of the 6,502 Pace Cars produced. Upon looking deeper into this car, you will see what makes this car so special.

The odometer sits at 9,000 original miles, and it has all the original dealership paperwork since purchase still in the car.

It still sports the original Goodyear tires that are in perfect condition and still looks brand new, like it has been preserved in a time capsule.

This car likes to be seen but not touched. Please don’t try to purchase or make any offers, or you will hear the same response many Corvette enthusiasts have heard from this collector.

Out Chasing Corvettes

When we were sketching out a new magazine segment on the back of a Waffle House napkin, we thought it had potential. Little did we realize then that it would be this much fun.

Let us know what you think about this segment going forward by dropping us a line via email to [email protected]. Should we keep it or kick it to the curb? What did you like or wish we had done differently?

While you’re at it, we also sketched out a segment called “Corvette Man Caves” that we’re also keen on. The good news is that even if you’re not in the Atlanta area or even in the US of A, we can do an article using your supplied photos and a quick Skype interview.

Special thanks go to Todd Willoughby from American Street Machines for making this segment happen.

We’re looking forward to climbing back into that “Big Red” Chevy duellie once more to go “Out Chasing Corvettes.”

American Street Machines

Sell – Buy – Consign – Locate

Website: AmericanStreetMachinesInc.com

Phone: 770-427-VETT

Email: [email protected]